Savannah Miller & Lucy, Rufus, and Emma

Who is in the photo at right?

This is a photo of me, Savannah Miller, and my dog Lucy! I am a stay-at-home mom of 2 amazing little boys and the owner of The Simply Me blog. Lucy is a female black lab. She is 8 years old I got her in the summer of 2006 right after I graduated high school.

What's the occasion for Coffee with a Canine?

My hubby and boys went to a Reading Phillies game so I had some alone time. I decided to talk Lucy for a walk and picnic.

What's brewing?

Seattle's Best Frozen coffee. It was hot outside when we had our coffee date I wanted something to cool down.

Any treats for you or your dogs on this occasion?

Oreos for me and Beneful bake delights for Lucy.

How did your dogs get their names? Any aliases?

Growing up I loved the show I Love Lucy. That is how Lucy got her name. Emma my beagle was named by my hubby and Rufus my puggle was named after the bear my hubby gave me for our first V-Day. My kids like playing with the bear so they decided to call their puppy Rufus. They do have some Aliases:

Lucy - Luey, LuLu Bell, Delilah and pretty girl.

Emma - Emma-Jemma.

Rufus - Rufeo.

How were you and your dogs united?

My younger brother came home with a black lab puppy and said our neighbor was given them away for free. I had just rescued Rocky from a shelter (passed away in 2012) and he needed a lot of work; he was abused, so I wasn't ready for another dog just yet. I did want to see the puppies though. My hubby and I (at the time just boyfriend and girlfriend) went to see them and this hyper little runt would not leave us alone. She jumped all over my hubby ran back and forth to get our attention. At the time her ears were to big for her body; she was adorable and just stole our hearts. I knew she had to come home with me!! The saying is true: dogs choose us. The best part was she was perfect for Rocky -- they were best friends and did everything together. She taught him to trust and love again.

My hubby got Emma from his dad. And after Rocky passed away my kiddos were heartbroken. It took us several months, but we decided that Rocky wouldn’t want us heartbroken, that he would want us to love another pup and give them a good home. So we got Rufus: he was the last pup left in his litter.

Squirrel, postman, cat...?

Squirrels -- my pups go nuts whenever one gets to close to the porch.

Ball, squeaky-toy, stick...?

Squeaky toy.

Where do your dogs most like to head to for outings?

Lucy likes to swim so I take her to the lake and my dad's pool. Emma gets to hunt with my hubby, and Rufus spends his days playing fetch with my kids.

Who are your dogs' best pet-pals?

My kids -- Lucy and Rufus adore them. Emma is happy as long as they leave her alone. And we do have a cat named Jekyll; they let her hang out with them, but only when she promises not to bat at their wagging tails or try to catch their tongues when they are panting.

What is each dog's best quality?

Lucy is loyal and makes everyone feel unconditionally loved.

Rufus is always happy and can make anyone laugh.

And Emma is the best behaved and the least hyper.

If your dogs could change one thing about you, what would it be?

Maybe that I always oversleep! They come into my room and poke me with their cold noses enough to let me know they want me up.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life in which your dogs could speak, which actors should do their voices?

Emma is easiest she would be Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. She is always kinda sluggish and never in a rush. Eeyore’s voice would be perfect for her.

Lucy is silly and a bit hyper so I would pick Lisa Kudrow; she reminds me of Phoebe on Friends sometimes. Silly and lovable and always sounds happy when she talks.

And finally Rufus: as much as I love him I swear there isn't much going on in his head. When my hubby and I watch Game of Thrones I always say Hordor reminds me of Rufus. My kids disagree though: I asked them who should do his voice and they said Olaf from Frozen.

If your dogs could answer only one question in English, what would you ask them?

I would make sure to ask if they are happy and feel loved.

Visit The Simply Me blog.

--Marshal Zeringue